15.10.2009
German frigate Bremen engaged in EU anti-piracy operation Atalanta shipwrecked two pirate boats, says Bundeswehr's official website.
Bremen found three suspicious boats near Seychelles in the morning of Oct 13. The shipborne helicopter was sent ahead and pilots observed people throwing weapons overboard.
Boats were stopped by cautionary blasts. However, when
Bremen approached the incident site and sent down search team, pirates managed to throw overboard some more objects.
There were no weapons found aboard, but search team revealed 10 containers with explosives which "were indicative of piracy activities", said Bundeswehr's information report.
Nevertheless, pirates were not arrested due to order of EU
Atalanta mission commander. All 11 persons were put on the biggest boat and allowed to go. Two remained boats were shipwrecked.
According to
Welt, 450 men and two frigates –
Bremen and
Karlsruhe – take part in EU operation
Atalanta near Somali coast. Four months ago Bundestag expanded operational area of German Navy right up to Seychelles.
Source:
